Is It Worth It To Repair My Air Conditioner?
With warmer weather quickly on the way, now is the time to think about your air conditioner.
Is it in good shape? Does it need major repairs?
When it comes to ac repair in Columbus, Ohio, there are several questions you should ask prior to calling for service.
When Should I Repair My AC?
Your AC Is Less Than 12 Years Old
If your air conditioner is less than 12 years old, it may be just worth repairing it depending on what is wrong.
The average life of an air conditioner in Columbus, Ohio is around 15 years depending on how well the system has been taken care of.
Minor Repair Is Needed
Even if your unit is older than 12 years, if a minor repair is all that is needed then repair your air conditioner may be the best call.
Minor repairs include things such as electrical component replacement, a dirty evaporator coil and clogged condensate lines.
Repair Costs Less Than 50% Of a New Air Conditioner
Depending on your air conditioner’s age, if a repair costs less than half the cost of a new unit a repair may be the better option.
Less Than 2 Repairs In Last 10 Years
If you’ve had less than 2 minor repairs within the last 10 years on your air conditioner, a repair is still a good option depending on what is wrong.
When Should I Replace My AC?
Your Air Conditioner Is Older Than 12 Years Old
If your unit is 12 years or older, an ac replacement may be your best option.
Air conditioners made before 2010 still utilize the R22 refrigerant which has been phased out as of January 1, 2020.
Older air conditioners are also much less energy efficient compared to the ones available today.
A Major Repair Is Needed
If a major repair is needed on your air conditioner such as a new compressor or evaporator coil, it’s generally going to be more economical just to replace the unit with a new one.
Costs of having a new compressor or evaporator coil installed can climb to over $2,000 in some cases.
3 Or More Repairs In Last 10 Years
If your air conditioner has gone through 3 or more repairs in the last 10 years, it may be time to start thinking about replacement.
The money you keep putting into repairs could be going towards a new unit instead.
The Bottom Line
The decision between repairing or replacing your air conditioner is a balancing act.
Careful consideration should be taken in deciding which option to choose.
Also, do not overlook the importance of selecting a trustworthy HVAC contractor.
If you have the financial ability to replace an old unit it may be worth it due the fact that R22 is no longer being produced and repairs using this type of refrigerant will continue to rise as the supply begins to run out.
To get the best deal, the best time to buy an air conditioner is during the off season months of February and March.
We have included the infographic below to help summarize the above points.
